We’ve kept strong through the past four months, and I’m very happy. I didn’t think I could last in a long distance relationship- physically or emotionally. We’re strong, we’re good to go, and I’m unbelievably grateful.

Yet another stage in my life is coming to an end. I’ve lived my adu1t life doing pretty much whatever the he11 I’ve wanted to, and in 16 days, I’m going to be living my life as part of a Serious Couple. Full of compromises and trust and depending on each other. It’s going to be a new and exciting experience, and I can’t wait.

Knowing someone for nearly eight years allows you to see certain elements of their personality, but when people enter into relationships, things change. I trust the fact that his personality isn’t going to annoy me, but the truth of the matter is, is that we’re a very New Couple.

About a week ago, I realized that I don’t think I was ready. I wasn’t ready before I left for West Africa, I wasn’t ready while I was here… and then, sitting on the beach on New Years Eve, I realized that I was finally ready. I am ready for this relationship. I think I thought I was before I left, and during my time here… but the truth is, is that his presence in my life was terrifying. Having him as my boyfriend, and him such a perfect boyfriend, meant that I was all done playing the Relationship Game, the Single Game, the Me Game.

I was done being a single, independent vagabond. It meant settling down. But I also realized that “settling down” doesn’t have to mean “giving up.” It just means “calming down” and finding different things to make you happy.

I’m ready for that. I’m ready for him.